LA Tenorio takes full responsibility as Magnolia bows to TNT in PBA quarterfinals

The Magnolia Hotshots’ 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup campaign came to an end on Saturday, December 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum following a 118-109 loss to TNT Tropang Giga in the quarterfinals.

The game marked the first Philippine Cup head coaching assignment for PBA legend LA Tenorio, who acknowledged afterward that Magnolia must raise its level if it hopes to contend with the league’s elite.

“If we want to be the one of the best teams here in the PBA, we have to beat the best team. For us to do that, we have to beat TNT,” Tenorio said during the postgame press conference.

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Tenorio did not shy away from accountability, admitting that Magnolia was both “outplayed” and “outcoached” by the Tropang Giga. Serving in a dual role as player-coach, the 41-year-old guard finished with three points and three assists in nine minutes of action, but was unable to swing the momentum in Magnolia’s favor.

Magnolia head coach L.A. Tenorio said he’s not closing the door on serving as a playing coach again next conference, adding that he plans to continue joining team practices to better guide and mentor the Hotshots. l Via Zeus Valdez
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“The team kept fighting and they didn’t back down right away. I thought they fought all the way, but the most important thing right now is for us to look into this conference, what we need to improve, especially in this kind of games,” he added.

A 10-time PBA All-Star, Tenorio emphasized that he plans to do his own self-evaluation, particularly from a coaching standpoint, as Magnolia prepares for the next conference.

“I just have to take a look at myself first. What I need to improve, definitely against the likes of TNT coach Chot Reyes. Just like my players they still have a lot of things to learn, not just for his game, but in this conference.

“I will get better also, but I have to take a look at myself in the mirror also. In the end, the coach will always take the full responsibility. The players will give their best, definitely. But again, in the end, it’s on the coach. I take full responsibility for this conference. But I told them, I will make sure that we will get back stronger next conference,” Tenorio concluded.

Despite the early exit, Magnolia’s quarterfinal appearance represented a respectable opening chapter in Tenorio’s coaching tenure. Expectations, however, will be higher moving forward as the Hotshots look to build on this experience and compete deeper into future conferences.

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